Yoga, strength training, and trail running are fun ways to get back into the thick of training for a spring distance race.
I told myself that last week would be my last Monday post for a while. I’ve got a lot on my plate and I need to buckle down and focus. I even runfessed that I might have to take some time off. But alas, blogging is proving to be a hard habit to quit.
Remember when I told you I was super discombobulated and wasn’t sure what I was going to do in 2018? It’s been eating me up inside. I’m planning toward a spring race just so I can have some semblance of sanity in my life. I’ll be coaching Kids Run the Nation again in the spring and I’ve got a few other things in the works. 2018 is kinda, sorta coming together. A little.
Since I’m definitely training for a spring race, I figured I’d better keep the running momentum going from two weeks ago. Starting from square one is not an option since I put in so much work in 2017. And I’m feeling good to boot — I ran just over 20 miles last week and even got back on the yoga wagon, too! Fingers crossed the yoga helps a bit with strength and stability because that’s one thing I have not been keeping up with the last several weeks.
Yoga, Trail Running, and Getting Back to Training
Monday — yoga
Yoga for runners, for the win! I planned on a rest day on Monday but when I found myself with a few extra minutes to spare, I opted to stretch out my yoga legs. I have to admit, it felt really good to get back on the mat — something I was not expecting.
Tuesday — 5.11 miles
I shoulda run outside on Tuesday and I kicked myself the rest of the week for opting inside. It wasn’t too cold out but it was overcast and I wasn’t feeling the layering and the clothes and the fighting the headwind. So I ran on the treadmill and watched a movie. It was actually a pretty great run so from that aspect, I’m glad I stayed indoors. But the drop in temperature for the rest of the week had me smh’ing at myself for days.
Wednesday — 5.05 miles
I usually meet my friend Ben for morning miles on Wednesdays, but since the temperature dropped 30˚ in just a few hours, we canned the run the night before. I hopped on the treadmill (again) instead. Unfortunately I had to slow down a bit due to a side stitch that wouldn’t let up. Otherwise it was fine.
Thursday — yoga + HIIT
When my client cancelled on me Thursday morning, I decided to do a workout of my own. I would have run except I was exhausted*. Instead, I opted for another day of yoga and followed it up with a quick HIIT workout. Yes, I realize I should have done those in reverse order but after yoga I was oddly energized and wanted to capitalize on the burst of energy.
*I runfess I was exhausted from staying up late and watching The Crown on Netflix too many days in a row. Anyone else watch it? I’m legit hooked.
Friday — 6.15 miles
Brrr was it cold on Friday! I layered up and met Carole for some super brisk, albeit sunny, miles. I couldn’t feel my face for the first two miles so that kinda sucked, but I warmed up after a while and we ended up having a great run! And thankfully it fairly easy for a speedy run.
Saturday — 6.01 trail miles
Saturday was again very cold, this time with minimal sunshine. But Julie and I hit the trails for the heck of it. We got ourselves turned around a couple times and though we were never lost, it sure felt like it a time or two!
We ended up running 6 miles. It was a tough workout. My right ankle was angry for hours afterward. The way I felt after our run has me strongly reconsidering a trail race in my near future. I was laid out for the rest of the day on Saturday. The effort and recovery felt like I ran 12 miles instead of half that!
I do love trails, though. But do I? Sometimes I don’t know. I run in a really beautiful area when I’m on roads OR trails, so it’s not like the scenery changes very much. If nothing else, it’s fun to explore and play in the woods every now and then. I’ll have to figure out a way to balance out this whole ankle-tendinitis-mileage thingy if I want to continue running trails of any significant mileage. TBD on that.
The biggest takeaway for me from last week’s workouts are that I need to continue doing yoga and strength training. I have big plans for 2018 and I’m hoping to start training on the right foot. Annnnd I should also probably lay off The Crown for a while. But it’s just so goooooood!!!
xo
Let’s talk!
Do you regularly practice yoga?
What show do you binge-watch or stay up late watching when you know you should go to bed?
Linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippi Piddlin’ for the Weekly Wrap, and My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run.
